Cooking corned beef in a crockpot is an excellent way to achieve tender and flavorful results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket
- 4 cups water (or enough to cover the brisket)
- 1 medium-sized onion, peeled and quartered
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 lb small red potatoes, washed and halved (or quartered if larger)
- 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
- Pickling spices (usually included with the corned beef)
Instructions:
Rinse the corned beef: Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess brine.
Place the corned beef in the crockpot: Put the rinsed corned beef in the crockpot and sprinkle the pickling spices that come with it over the top. If the spices are not included, you can make your own mix with a combination of peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaves.
Add the onion and garlic: Place the quartered onion and minced garlic on top of the corned beef.
Cover with water: Pour enough water into the crockpot to cover the corned beef completely.
Cook on low: Set the crockpot to the low setting and cook for about 6-8 hours. Cooking it slowly over low heat helps to tenderize the meat.
Add the vegetables: About 1.5 to 2 hours before the corned beef is done, add the carrots and potatoes to the crockpot. These vegetables take longer to cook than the cabbage, so it's best to add them earlier.
Add the cabbage: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the cabbage wedges to the crockpot. They don't need as much time to cook and become tender.
Check for doneness: The corned beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. The vegetables should also be cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Slice and serve: Remove the corned beef from the crockpot and slice it against the grain. Arrange the sliced corned beef and vegetables on a platter, and serve hot.
Optional: You can make a simple glaze for the corned beef by mixing together some brown sugar, mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze over the sliced corned beef and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until it becomes caramelized and slightly crispy.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked corned beef and vegetables!